Chapter 89…………………………………………..
“That sounds like a good idea. Father, come with us. You’ve never enjoyed the Founding Festival before.”
Claire, who had secretly felt guilty about leaving her busy younger brother behind, quickly agreed. But Franz declined.
“No, it’s fine.”
“Why not? Come with us.”
“Hearing that Father has never attended the Founding Festival… it bothers me too.”
Franz, hesitating as he pushed up his slipping glasses, finally spoke.
“…Actually, I did go once. So don’t worry about me—go on with His Highness, Claire.”
“Oh, really…? Alright then.”
It was the first time Claire had ever heard this from her brother, so she replied in a daze.
Strange. When did he ever go to the Founding Festival?
Tilting her head in puzzlement, she nevertheless left the mansion with Theodore. The bustling, festive streets welcomed them.
With their guards keeping a discreet distance, they strolled around the plaza.
“There are a lot of people, so hold onto my arm. If you get lost, I might not find you.”
“Hearing you say that makes me feel like a child.”
The parental tone, as though warning her not to wander off, made Claire laugh.
Glancing down at her, Theodore let go of her arm only to take her hand instead.
“Losing you would be scarier than losing a child.”
The feeling of his large hand wrapping around hers made Claire flinch, and she jokingly retorted:
“Afraid I’ll cause trouble?”
“No… afraid I’ll never see you again if I lose you.”
His unexpectedly earnest voice left Claire flustered.
Not wanting the atmosphere to grow heavy, she quickly rolled her eyes around—and spotted something.
“Your Highness, would you like to try that?”
Following her pointing finger, Theodore gave a small laugh.
“Confident, are you?”
“No. Just curious.”
They walked to the booth she indicated—it was a ball-tossing game with holes of various sizes.
Paying for a basket of balls, Theodore suddenly proposed:
“How about we make it interesting? The winner grants the loser one wish.”
“…I feel like Your Highness will win.”
“Bet on the slim chance, then.”
He handed her a basket with a grin. Feeling both mildly cheated and very intrigued, Claire accepted.
They stood before the wooden board dotted with holes, ranging from large and easy to tiny and almost impossible. Each successful toss earned points, with 50 being the maximum. Holding a light, squishy ball, Theodore thought:
I should take it easy at first, right?
He was sure he’d win, but if he crushed her too thoroughly, Claire might lose interest halfway through. He decided he’d win moderately. But—
“Wow, it went in!”
Claire threw better than he expected—steadier and more accurate than him.
This isn’t how it’s supposed to go…
Though briefly flustered, the thought of overtaking her vanished when he saw her bright face beaming up at him.
“Your Highness, did you see? I made it in.”
“Y-Yeah. You’re good at this.”
Smiling at her joy, he didn’t even notice his halfhearted throws missing the target.
Watching her enjoy herself made him happy. The contest itself soon became irrelevant.
Claire threw balls at the board; Theodore threw balls while watching Claire. Naturally, the score ended up heavily in her favor.
Claire: 45 points. Theodore: 30 points. Victory went to her.
“Wow, I’ve never seen someone throw like that before! Amazing, miss!”
At the worker’s praise, Claire smiled shyly, then cast Theodore a mischievous look.
“I won, Your Highness.”
“…I can’t deny my defeat. Fine, state your wish.”
“My wish is…”
She calmly looked around, then grabbed Theodore’s hand and led him somewhere.
It was a stall selling cute animal headbands. Claire bought a pair of fluffy rabbit ears, removed his hat, and plopped it onto Theodore’s head.
“You have to wear this all day today.”
“…Must I really?”
“Yes.”
Looking down at Claire’s rare, radiant smile, Theodore raised his hands in surrender.
“Alright, if that’s what my darling wants. My dignity may take a hit, though.”
“Not at all. It actually suits you quite well.”
With his sharp, wolf-like features, one would think the rabbit ears would look ridiculous—but surprisingly, they softened his image.
Catching her glowing expression out of the corner of his eye, Theodore ended up laughing along with her.
They wandered the streets together like that until the sun began to set.
During the Founding Festival, fireworks lit up the sky each evening. Checking the plaza clock tower, Theodore asked:
“Shall we stay to watch the fireworks?”
“Since we’re here, I’d love to. I’ve never seen them before.”
“Then follow me.”
Declaring confidently, he led Claire toward the imperial palace.
Dressed splendidly for the occasion, the palace shone like the sun itself. Magical lights like fireflies floated around its walls.
As their carriage stopped nearby, Claire asked in confusion:
“Why are we at the palace?”
“To watch the fireworks. This way.”
Taking her hand, Theodore guided her up the outer wall’s staircase. With him leading, she climbed without difficulty.
Soon they reached the top of the wall, where a cool breeze brushed their faces. Seeing the view, Claire gasped.
“Wow…”
Unlike its usual nights, the city bustled vibrantly, glittering like a sea of stars. She could feel the sheer number of people living and breathing here.
Theodore took off his jacket, laid it on the ground, and gestured for her to sit. Hesitant, Claire sat atop his coat.
“From here, the fireworks are perfect.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah. That’s why I once thought I’d like to bring someone I love here.”
His black hair swayed gently in the wind. Glancing at his delicate profile, Claire teased:
“Then you must be disappointed coming with me instead?”
“…Is that what you think? Do I look disappointed?”
But once again, Theodore didn’t take her words as a joke. Leaning back on his hands, he gazed at her quietly.
On his face was no disappointment—only expectation and excitement. Claire suddenly found herself at a loss for words.
While she hesitated, the fireworks began.
Bang! Boom!
Brilliant colors filled the night sky, scattering like jewels.
Still looking into Theodore’s eyes, Claire noticed the reflections of the fireworks glimmering in his blue irises.
Beautiful.
It was strange. She wasn’t watching the fireworks directly, yet felt their beauty through the reflection in someone else’s eyes.
Boom, bang.
As the fireworks dwindled, Claire finally tore her gaze away and managed to watch the finale.
Theodore followed her lead, looking skyward. Soon, the show ended, and silence fell over them.
“I have a question.”
Breaking the hush, he spoke first.
“Go ahead.”
“When our fake relationship ends… do you plan to truly love someone again?”
Startled, Claire flinched. It was something she had never considered.
After thinking carefully, she answered:
“For now… I don’t know.”
After all, she had endured years of marriage only to be betrayed. The thought of living that life again made her sick.
On top of that, she hadn’t even properly dealt with the one responsible—there was no room in her heart to dream of another future.
“I see.”
As if understanding, Theodore nodded, then continued.
“I do.”
His low voice carried gently.
“Once everything is over, I want to find true happiness with the one I love.”
Strangely, in that moment, Claire glimpsed the boy he once was—lonely after losing his parents, struggling to rise above his pain.
Her heart gave a small, unexpected tremor.
